Signature With Rank

(1810-78) Born at Newburyport, Mass., he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1834-37. Transferring to the 8th U.S. Infantry, he was cited for gallantry in the campaign against the Florida Seminoles. During the Civil War he served with the 1st, 11th and 7th U.S. Infantry Regiments, rising to rank of colonel in the latter regiment. When stationed with the 1st U.S. Infantry in Texas at the beginning of the war he was taken prisoner by General David Twiggs, but was later released on parole. He also served as Chief of Staff to General John Pope. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1865, and was the son-in-law of Mexican War General William J. Worth.

Signature With Rank: 8 1/4 x 1 1/2, in ink, Your Obt. Servant, John T. Sprague, Colonel 7th U.S. Infantry, Commanding. The signature only is in the hand of Sprague.